Plants to look out for in March
Following the very cold spell and snowfalls we have been experiencing, it will be especially wonderful to see all the beautiful spring
flowers appear, particularly the colourful crocuses on the tree mounds and lawns. As the weather improves and the days become warmer and longer, there will a
great many changes in the Garden. Already there are Camellias and Rhododendrons in flower, but they will become greater in abundance especially in the Asian
Garden (Area N on the map of the gardens).
Walking around the Garden you may spy upon the shrub Cornus mas, which is producing an abundance of small, yellow flowers on naked stems. The common name is
the Cornelian Cherry, so called because it produces very bright red, cherry-like and edible fruits in the autumn. The leaves turn reddish-purple as well. It has
been cultivated for a long time in the UK, having been introduced from central and southern Europe. There is a good specimen of this shrub down in the woodland
area, (Area Q), under which is planted a mixture of snowdrops, Leucojum (spring snowflake) and the golden-yellow winter aconites. This area has not been planted
long, but eventually it will be a beautiful spring garden. There is an interesting carved wooden seat to be found, which is part of the Riddle Trail. It is
rather tempting to while away a little time and enjoy the planting.
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Around the Garden...search for the entrance to the enchanting Bear Pit, where you will find some interesting plants in flower. One of the most unusual
is Sycopsis sinensis. During most of the year you may just walk by it, not giving it a sideways glance, but at this time of the year its flowers appear. The
flowers are without petals, consisting of small clusters of yellow red-anthered stamens, enclosed by chocolate-brown woolly scales. It was brought over to this
country by the great plant hunter Ernest Wilson in the early part of the 20th century. Heading further into the Bear Pit you will see to your left the beautiful
Rhododendron (Christmas Cheer). It is late to flower this year, as it is normally showing its blooms in January. The name actually refers to the one-time practice
of forcing this plant for Christmas decoration. It probably benefits from the shelter of the bear pit and surrounding large trees.
In the Glasshouses ...there is a pretty little flower to look for in the central
dome. It is the Prostanthera ovalifolia, originating from Australia. It is an elegant, small shrub with small olive-green aromatic leaves and soft lilac-mauve
flowers on long, drooping branches. The ‘Mint Bushes’ – the common name for the Prostanthera are ideal for the cool conservatory or in a warm sheltered corner of
the garden. The Prostanthera cuneata is a relatively hardy dwarf shrub surviving in Sheffield.